The NBA trading season is now in full bloom. During this period, teams are starting to pick up their activities on the trading front, looking for deals that might push contenders to the NBA Finals or provide rebuilding teams with pieces (draft picks or promising young players) for their future.

There are going to be sellers and buyers on February 8 trade deadline. The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors remain at the top of the food chain, but teams like the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs are steadily closing the gap.

A strong trade deadline could turn one of these fringe contenders to legitimate title threat, potentially setting up one of the most intriguing postseasons in years.

There will be no shortage of talents on the trading market this year with so many promising stars and serviceable veterans up for grabs.

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Nikola Mirotic and Tyreke Evans are both enjoying career revivals this year and have dramatically improved their trade stock. Teams are expected to kick tires on deals involving these players on the rise, but trade completion will heavily depend on the package their suitors offer.

Nikola Mirotic ($12MM, team option for 2018-19 season)

Best landing spot and package: Mirotic (17.9 ppg on 46 FG% and 45 3PT%) has been flat out balling the moment he stepped on the floor for the first time this season. The sweet-shooting big man just showed to everybody why he earned the starting power forward spot over Bobby Portis. And although he seems to have already moved on from that embarrassing punching incident, NBA insiders still believeMirotic [VIDEO](trade-eligible on January 15) would waive his no-trade clause if he’s dealt with a contender.

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There are at least six teams believed in the hunt for Mirotic. The Pistons, Knicks, and Blazers are all searching for depth, particularly a reliable bench scorer who could help them clinch playoff spots. The Lakers are looking for ways to gain future cornerstone without compromising their cap flexibility, while the Thunder are scouring the market for another game-changer. All of these teams are capable of putting up enticing trade packages, but the Blazers can outdo other bidders by throwing in a combination of expiring contracts (Noah Vonleh), prospect (Zach Collins) and additional picks to spice up the package.

The Blazers boast one of the most formidable backcourt duos in the game (Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum) and an up-and-coming center (Jusuf Nurkic). However, they still lack some punch on both forward positions. Mirotic can be the answer to their problem. He has proven this season that he can put up points in spurts. He can give any team another option on offense when shots aren’t falling for the stars.

Tyreke Evans ($3.3 million Bi-annual exceptions, UFA in 2018)

Best landing spot and package: Any GM willing to trade for Evans [VIDEO] should know the risk that entails with a player on an expiring deal. Evans is putting up the best basketball of his career right now with the Memphis Grizzlies. Playing on a bargain deal, the former Rookie of the Year is averaging 19.7 ppg on 47 FG% and 41 3PT% in 30 minutes per game. He’s also chipping in 5.1 rpg and 4.1 apg a game for the Grizzlies, who could be really active sellers at the trade deadline.

The fit isn’t necessarily a problem for Evans. Put him on another team and Evans can still chalk up solid numbers because of his ability to create his own shots. His effort to become a much more efficient three-point shooter this season has allowed him to thrive on space-and-pace offenses.

While many teams are expected to line up for the service of Evans, the Celtics might have an edge on this one. Evans’ contract fits right into the $8.4 million disabled player exception Boston received out of Gordon Hayward injury. The exception enabled the Celtics to acquire Evans without matching salaries. Danny Ainge only has to send a future first-round pick (Celtics’ own or the Lakers 2018 first-rounder) to seal the deal.

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